UK-Japan
Youth Challenge
2026
On campus summer school programme in the UK
Rikkyo School in England | University of Cambridge | UCL
Discover Your Future in Science and Culture at Tohoku University
The UK-Japan Youth Challenge is an intensive short-term programme designed to provide young people in the UK with a unique opportunity to experience high-level research and university life in Japan.
Building on the decade-long success of the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge, which has brought Japanese students to the UK since 2015, this sister programme offers UK students the chance to engage with world-class academics at Tohoku University in Sendai, gaining hands-on research experience while immersing themselves in Japanese language and culture.
Aligned with the UK autumn half-term, this initiative aims to foster the next generation of global innovators by bridging the gap between UK youth and the Japanese academic environment.
Programme outline
UK-Japan Youth Challenge 2026
On campus short school programme in Japan
Dates: Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November 2026 (9 days)
Spend your afternoons in Tohoku University laboratories, gaining practical experience in your field of interest.
Attend daily Japanese and English language lessons tailored for international exchange
Explore international degree pathways, such as the Future Global Leadership (FGL) programme and other English-taught degrees at Tohoku University
Interact with Japanese students and researchers, building lasting connections and a global perspective.
Conclude your experience by presenting your research findings in a formal session..
About Our Host: Tohoku University
Founded in 1907 as Japan’s third Imperial University, Tohoku University is a global powerhouse of innovation and the first institution in Japan to be recognized as a University for International Research Excellence.
A Sister Programme to the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge
Since 2015, the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge has connected Japanese and UK students through an annual summer school programme at UCL and the University of Cambridge.
Over the past decade, more than 500 students have participated, building bridges between our two nations and developing lifelong friendships.
The UK-Japan Youth Challenge continues this legacy in reverse, offering UK students the opportunity to experience Japan’s cutting-edge research environment and rich cultural heritage.
Together, these programmes create a two-way exchange that strengthens academic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Japan.